SMC Changes from 24 August 2026: The Complete Guide

From 24 August 2026, Immigration New Zealand reshapes the Skilled Migrant Category. The single points-based pathway becomes three: Points-based, Skilled Work Experience, and Trades and Technician. Points rules shift to favour New Zealand study, a single wage threshold replaces the old two-rate model, and the EOI form is replaced. Draft EOIs are deleted that day.

What is changing in the Skilled Migrant Category on 24 August 2026?

All of the major Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) reforms take effect on the same day, 24 August 2026 (immigration.govt.nz). The Government announced the reform in September 2025, Immigration New Zealand published the occupation lists and operational detail on 5 March 2026, and the final details followed on 18 June 2026 (immigration.govt.nz).

Four things move at once:

• A second and third pathway open. Alongside the existing Points-based pathway, you can qualify through the new Skilled Work Experience pathway or the new Trades and Technician pathway.
• The points rules change to give an extra point to New Zealand-completed qualifications and to require less New Zealand work experience for the same points.
• A single wage threshold replaces the old split between a work-experience rate and a higher residence rate.
• The EOI form is replaced and unsubmitted draft EOIs are deleted.

The 6-point threshold itself does not change: you still need 6 skilled resident points plus a skilled job or job offer to use the Points-based pathway (immigration.govt.nz).

What are the three SMC pathways from 24 August 2026?

From 24 August 2026 there are three routes to residence under the SMC (immigration.govt.nz):

1. Points-based pathway (existing): reach 6 skilled resident points and hold a skilled job or job offer.
2. Skilled Work Experience pathway (new): qualify on work experience alone, without claiming points.
3. Trades and Technician pathway (new): a route built around trades and technician occupations with a relevant qualification.

Here is the genuine old-versus-new comparison across the two new pathways, set beside the points route. Wage figures are the rates in effect from 9 March 2026 and are updated annually, so re-check the current rate before lodging.

The “about 5 years” and “about 4 years” figures are how Immigration New Zealand summarises the combined requirements; the exact wording on the operational pages is more precise, so read the source pages linked below before relying on a single number.

How do the SMC points changes work from 24 August 2026?

The points threshold stays at 6 points plus a skilled job or offer, but how you earn points changes (immigration.govt.nz).

Three shifts matter most:

• New Zealand qualifications earn 1 more point than the same qualification gained overseas, except doctoral degrees and (in some cases) master’s degrees.
• An overseas bachelor’s rises from 3 points to 4 points. Washington and Sydney Accord accredited qualifications also rise from 3 to 4.
• Less New Zealand work experience is needed for the same points: 1 year now earns 1 point, 1.5 years earns 2 points, and 2 years earns the maximum 3 points. Previously up to 3 years was needed for 3 points.

The qualification points table from 24 August 2026 looks like this:

We explain each line, including the supporting-bachelor’s evidence rules, in the SMC points system explained. Whether your degree was earned in New Zealand or overseas can move you a full point, which is covered in NZ vs overseas qualification points.

What is the new SMC wage threshold and the 5-month grace period?

From 24 August 2026, most applicants meet a single wage threshold rather than a lower work-experience rate plus a higher residence rate (immigration.govt.nz). The threshold that applies is generally the one in effect when you started accruing skilled work experience, not the rate at invitation or EOI submission. If no skilled work experience is required (for example, 6 points from a doctoral degree), the threshold is the one in effect when you are invited to apply.

The wage multipliers and the dated dollar figures from 9 March 2026 are (immigration.govt.nz):

A 5-month grace period applies: if you begin skilled work experience within 5 months of your work visa being granted, the threshold on your visa-grant date applies, even if the median wage has since risen. The Points-based pathway pay rates do not change on 24 August 2026.

These rules align with the parallel Work to Residence changes, which we cover in work-to-residence wage changes 2026. The “24 months of NZ work experience within 30 months” requirement for those visas is unchanged.

How do the Red List and Amber List affect the new pathways?

Immigration New Zealand has published a Red List and an Amber List that restrict access to the two new pathways (immigration.govt.nz).

The 6 Red List occupations are excluded from both new pathways. Red List applicants can only use the Points-based pathway by reaching 6 points (for example, earning at least 1.5× the median, holding a Bachelor’s at NZQCF Level 7 or above, or holding a recognised occupational registration with the required New Zealand skilled work experience).

The 14 Amber List occupations are eligible for the Skilled Work Experience pathway only, on stricter terms: at least 5 years of relevant eligible work experience in New Zealand, including 2 years of skilled work experience earning at least 1.2× the SMC median wage ($42.00/hr from 9 March 2026). The 1.2× rate applies to that 2-year subcomponent, not as a blanket floor. Amber applicants also remain eligible for the Points-based pathway if they earn at least 1.5× the median, hold a Bachelor’s (NZQCF Level 7) or above, or hold a recognised occupational registration.

The 14 Amber occupations include Cafe or Restaurant Manager (141111), Chef (351311), Baker (351111), Office Manager (512111), and ICT Customer Support Officer (313112), among others. The full Red and Amber tables, with every code and the precise terms, are in the SMC Red List and Amber List reference.

What does the Trades and Technician pathway require?

The Trades and Technician pathway is for people working in an eligible trades or technician occupation (over 100 occupations are on Immigration New Zealand’s confirmed list) paid at least the SMC wage threshold of 1.0× ($35.00/hr from 9 March 2026) (immigration.govt.nz). To qualify you also need:

• A relevant qualification at NZQCF Level 4, comparable to Level 4, or higher.
• At least 2.5 years of relevant post-qualification work experience in an ANZSCO skill level 1 to 3 occupation, plus an additional 1.5 years of post-qualification skilled work experience in New Zealand paid at least the median (about 4 years total post-qualification).
• A New Zealand qualification of at least 120 credits on the NZQCF. Recognition-of-prior-learning (RPL) credits do not count toward this.

The 120-credit requirement was removed for overseas qualifications. An overseas qualification instead needs an International Qualifications Assessment (IQA) assessing it as Level 4 or higher, unless it is exempt. We cover that step in the IQA and NZQA assessment guide. Self-employment cannot count as relevant work experience.

What is happening to the SMC EOI form on 24 August 2026?

The SMC Expression of Interest (EOI) form changes on 24 August 2026 (immigration.govt.nz). Two things follow:

• To apply under the current rules, submit an EOI before 24 August 2026.
• Draft (unsubmitted) EOIs expire and are deleted on 24 August 2026. If your EOI is still in draft, it disappears and must be restarted on the new form that becomes available that day.

If you have a draft sitting in the system, treat the date as a hard cutover. We walk through the timing in submit your SMC EOI before 24 August 2026, and we compare the trade-offs of submitting now versus waiting in apply before or after August 2026.

What should you do now?

This is a process question, and the right answer depends on your qualifications, occupation, and work history. Practical steps to take before 24 August 2026:

• Check your occupation’s status. Confirm whether your ANZSCO code is on the Red List, the Amber List, or the Trades and Technician list, because that decides which pathways are open to you.
• Map your points position under both the current and the new rules, especially if a New Zealand qualification or the new work-experience points would change your total.
• Decide on EOI timing. If you have a submitted or draft EOI, work out whether the current rules or the new rules suit your case better, and act before any draft is deleted.
• Start your IQA early if you hold an overseas qualification that is not exempt, because assessment takes time. Check current NZQA timeframes rather than assuming a turnaround.
• Keep an eye on the Green List too. If your role is on the Green List, a separate residence route may be faster than the SMC.

One note on a future change that is not available yet: migrants who need up to 12 more months of skilled work experience to meet SMC requirements will be able to apply to extend their AEWV, but that is scheduled for 2027, not 2026.

Frequently asked questions

When do the SMC changes take effect?

All of the main Skilled Migrant Category changes, the new points rules, the two new pathways, the single wage threshold, and the new EOI form, take effect on 24 August 2026. Immigration New Zealand published the final details on 18 June 2026.

What are the three SMC pathways from August 2026?

From 24 August 2026 there are three pathways: the existing Points-based pathway (6 points plus a skilled job or offer), the new Skilled Work Experience pathway (residence on work experience alone), and the new Trades and Technician pathway (work experience plus a relevant qualification at NZQCF Level 4 or higher).

What is the new SMC wage threshold?

From 9 March 2026 the SMC wage threshold (1.0×) is NZD $35.00 per hour, with 1.1× at $38.50 and 1.2× at $42.00. From 24 August 2026 most applicants meet a single threshold, generally the rate in effect when they started accruing skilled work experience, with a 5-month grace period from the visa-grant date.

Will my draft EOI be deleted on 24 August 2026?

Yes. Unsubmitted draft EOIs expire and are deleted on 24 August 2026. To be assessed under the current rules you must submit your EOI before that date, otherwise you will need to start again on the new form released that day.

Which occupations are excluded from the new pathways?

The 6 Red List occupations are excluded from both new pathways and can only use the Points-based pathway. The 14 Amber List occupations are eligible for the Skilled Work Experience pathway only, on stricter terms, and may also use the Points-based pathway if they meet a points trigger.

Do New Zealand qualifications earn more points now?

Yes. From 24 August 2026, a New Zealand-completed qualification earns 1 more point than the same qualification gained overseas, with limited exceptions for doctoral and some master’s degrees. An overseas bachelor’s also rises from 3 points to 4 points.

Current as at 2026-06-29, based on Immigration New Zealand policy. For advice on your own situation, book a consultation or check your eligibility with a ProVisas Licensed Immigration Adviser (IAA Licence 201301110). We assess your points position against the new rules and prepare your application to meet INZ requirements.